History of Tea In Malawi

A Journey Through History: Tea's Roots and Impact in Malawi

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Tea, scientifically known as Camellia sinensis, has a rich history that traces back to ancient China around 2737 BC, where it was first discovered by Emperor Shennong. Centuries later, its presence found its way to Malawi through the efforts of British missionaries in the 1890s. Gradually, tea cultivation evolved, and by the 1920s, it had become a flourishing commercial crop in the region.

For many years, tea served as Malawi's primary foreign exchange earner, until approximately 1968 when tobacco took its place. Nevertheless, even today, tea remains a significant contributor to Malawi's economy and stands as the second-largest source of foreign exchange after tobacco. This thriving industry directly employs over 50,000 individuals and positively impacts the livelihoods of more than one million people through its extensive value chain.

The world of tea boasts several varieties, each with unique characteristics stemming from diverse manufacturing processes. These include green tea, wulong tea, white tea, puerh tea, and black tea, the latter often referred to as CTC tea. In the picturesque landscapes of Malawi, the focus is on producing exceptional black tea, although some daring producers have begun experimenting with green tea in recent times.

When it comes to global tea production, two giants, China and India, lead the pack. Together, they account for a staggering three billion kilograms, representing nearly two-thirds of the world's tea output. In Africa, Kenya holds the title of the largest tea producer, annually yielding almost 400 million kilograms. As the continent's second-largest tea producer, Malawi contributes significantly to the tea industry with an average annual production of approximately 46 million kilograms, amounting to 1% of the world's total tea output. In 2009, Malawi's tea production reached its peak at an impressive 52.6 million kilograms. Malawi has

The picturesque tea plantations in Malawi are primarily concentrated in the districts of Mulanje, Thyolo, and one plantation in Nkhata-Bay, sprawling across an area of nearly 19,000 hectares and supported by 21 processing factories. Interestingly, while smallholder tea producers contribute 15% of the tea-growing land, their production share stands at 7% of the total output, showcasing the diverse nature of tea cultivation in the region.